FPV F6X: World-Beating Performance SUV

Motoring Channel Staff - 31/January/2008

Melbourne, Australia — Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has come out swinging with one of the world's most powerful SUVs. Meet the FPV F6X.

Just a month before Ford launches the all-new 2008 model Falcon, the performance arm of the company has delivered a crowd pleaser. The 'family' performance car.

Ford Performance Vehicles hopes to sell 600 F6X's in 2008 and another 400 next year before the second generation Territory makes its debut.

Priced at $75,990 and set for a February 29th debut, the F6X is powered by the same critically acclaimed inline 6-cylinder turbo-intercooled engine as the tyre frying FPV F6 sedan.

The new model is expected to trounce it's V8-powered European rivals in the performance stakes, though the cream of the crop from Germany, such  as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo andMercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, remain the kings of the SUV hill. 

The official zero to 100km/h figure for the 270 kilowatt Australian SUV is under the magic 6.0 seconds mark (5.9 seconds) which is the unofficial benchmark to denote an automobile as a true performance vehicle.

The new Australian performance SUV is being marketed as a luxury model too. FPV's general manager Rod Barrett explains.

"The F6X is a premium, FPV enhanced version of the successful Ford Territory. It builds on the best attributes of that vehicle and adds additional performance without compromising on ride comfort and safety."

Featuring a plethora of airbags, DSC (dynamic stability control), AWD, the vehicle is one of the safest built in this country. 

It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/55 R18 Goodyear Fortera tyres that "deliver an optimum balance between grip and comfort" claims FPV.

It outputs 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque from just 2000rpm, which is diverted to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox with Sportshift tiptronic mode, making it most powerful 6-cylinder SUV in Australia and on par with more expensive imported machinery.

"Quite simply, the F6X is the most powerful six-cylinder SUV available in Australia," says Mr Barret.

This new super SUV is also unique in that it is the first Australian designed and engineered FPV model that is not based on the Falcon sedan or ute.

Ford Performance Vehicles hopes that this factor will extend the company's reach to new customers who may not have considered an Australian vehicle before.

"It is priced well below its imported luxury equivalents, but still delivers the high performance and luxury enhancements expected from a premium SUV vehicle," Mr Barrett continued. 

"The F6X was designed for families that want a competitively priced, high performance luxury SUV."

In terms of luxury, the gets F6X fancy looking two-tone leather seats finished in what FPV calls "Shadow and Pumice" [who comes up with these names? - Ed] complete with F6X logo's embroidered on the adjustable head rests.

FPV has even added the two-tone upholstery through to the third row on the seven-seat variant.

Some of the other premium features include the high resolution Interior Command Centre (ICC), which details the dual zone automatic climate control, trip and audio functions of the 6-disc CD stereo.

There's also side a reverse parking system and reverse camera.

Each F6X comes with a numbered build plate near the gear stick to show off its exclusivity, and the sports features culminate in a sports steering wheel, alloy pedals and sports instruments.

"The unique styling of the leather seats is a standout, eye-catching feature of the F6X and contributes to the sports luxury feel that permeates the entire vehicle," said FPV's chief, Rod Barrett.

Featuring the hard-charging 270 kilowatt 6-cylinder engine, the FPV F6X is not the most economical vehicle. The Australian performance car maker claims the car drinks 14.9L/100km, which is on par with most large V8 engines.

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today set a new benchmark in performance motoring with the launch of the hot sports F6X, the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in the Australian market.Performance doesn't always come cheap.

Driven by one of the most powerful 6-cylinder petrol engines on the planet, the Ford Territory based performance SUV has an upgraded chassis to match. 

Along with new suspension settings (firmer spring and damper calibration) to improve the vehicle's handling, the F6X gets Brembo brakes, with six calipers gripping 355mm x 32mm ventilated discs at the front end and single piston calipers working 328mm x 26mm ventilated discs at the rear.

FPV also worked with Bosch to fine tune the dynamic stability control (DSC) to match the vehicle's improved performance.

"The result is a DSC system that is not too intrusive during spirited driving, but provides great control during handling manoeuvres," according to Mr Barrett.

The exterior of the car has also come in for some work, and comprises the following features:

Front:
New mesh grille insert
F6X badge
Hood scoop

Rear:
F6X 270 badge
Dual chrome exhaust pipes

Alloy running boards with body coloured side panels and a rear lip spoiler are standard features, and there's even a decals package that adds horizontal stripes along the cars sides.

"The F6X’s bolder road presence is accentuated by a new optional F6X 270 stripe package, available in metallic colours of azure blue, silver and pewter and charcoal and dark charcoal or matte black," explained Rod Barrett.

"These new colour and striping options emphasise the performance attributes of the F6X and continue the striping theme that is a key look throughout the FPV range."

On sale from the 29th of February, the FPV F6X is price at $75,990.

Related Articles:
- FPV F6 Typhoon: R-Spec (2007)
- FPV DRIF6 (drift car)
- FPV GT (Road Test)
- HSV Senator vs. FPV Force6 (Road Test)
- FPV F6 Typhoon (Road Test)